WebNovels

Chapter 22 - Chapter 22: Team Rocket Trio, the Power of Aura!

In response to Misty's question, Ash shook his head. "Those three were wrapped up like that—how could I recognize them? It's just… when they walked past me, I felt something… hard to explain. But it was only for a moment. Maybe I imagined it."

"A feeling you can't explain?" Misty tilted her head, puzzled, but quickly let it go and followed Ash into the nearby department store.

Viridian City wasn't exactly a huge metropolis, but it was home to one of the strongest Gym Leaders, so its facilities were surprisingly complete. The department store stocked almost everything you'd find in a bigger city.

Ash picked up some Pokémon Food made specifically for Pikachu, a few survival tools for the wild, and some canned meals—since he couldn't cook, canned food was his only option.

Misty, on the other hand, loaded up on bug repellent sprays, ointment for insect bites, sunscreen, and similar supplies.

After finishing their shopping, the two wandered around Viridian City a bit and even swung by the Viridian Gym.

Of course, Ash wasn't there to challenge the Gym—he just wanted to see how the Viridian Gym Leader battled.

He'd only ever seen Trainers that strong on TV. To see one in person, on the same level as Giovanni—or maybe even stronger—was something Ash hadn't experienced yet.

Well… except for himself.

The group chats were full of powerhouses. Many of them didn't flaunt the Champion title, but their Tiers were absolutely Champion-level. Still, Ash had never seen a top-tier Trainer battle with his own eyes in the real world. That's why Giovanni sparked such curiosity.

But when they arrived, they found the Gym resembled a fortress. There was only one entrance, and only challengers with their companions were allowed in. Spectators weren't permitted. With no way to watch, they left disappointed.

By the time they were done strolling, the afternoon had slipped by. Misty suggested they crash at the Pokémon Center for the night and head out in the morning. Ash hesitated but agreed.

Not because he wanted the extra rest—mostly because it meant another free meal.

The food at the Pokémon Center was decent, way better than instant meals, practically gourmet in comparison. It was also far more nutritious. That was the real reason Ash stayed another night.

"Uwahh, I'm stuffed! Time to burn it off. Misty, do you have a Pokémon? How about a battle? I haven't battled all day and my hands are itching for it." Ash stretched with a grin.

Misty lifted her chin proudly. "Of course I have Pokémon. Why else would I be traveling? But your Pikachu isn't strong enough to handle mine. I don't want to give you a complex, so you'd better not pick me as your opponent!"

Ash's mouth twitched. He was about to retort when suddenly—alarms blared through the Pokémon Center!

"What's going on?!" People glanced around in panic, while Chansey rushed out to calm the crowd. Nurse Joy was on the phone, her expression tense.

"An attack on the Pokémon Center…? Who'd be crazy enough to do that? Even international crime syndicates wouldn't dare target a Pokémon Center!" Misty stared in shock at the flashing alarm lights.

This alarm only triggered if the Center itself was under attack. Normally, it was unthinkable—Pokémon Centers were the domain of the Joy family, one of the League's most influential clans. They held the finest Pokémon medical expertise. Only a fool would strike at them.

"Since you asked so sincerely…"

"We'll answer you mercifully!"

"…(skipping this part, you all know the lines)."

"I'm Jessie!"

"I'm James!"

Three figures dropped from the ceiling into the middle of the Pokémon Center, their nonsensical catchphrases echoing through the red-lit chaos.

Thick black smoke billowed around them. Those who accidentally breathed it in felt dizzy and weak almost immediately.

"This smoke is poisonous—don't breathe it in!" Misty clamped her hands over her mouth and nose, but she'd already inhaled some. A wave of dizziness hit her.

"Poisonous? I don't feel anything… Anyway, what's this Team Rocket? Why are you invading a Pokémon Center?!" Ash clenched his fists inside the smoke. His energy was steady, completely unaffected.

His booming voice cut through the haze, startling Jessie, James, and Meowth just as they were about to snatch Poké Balls.

Someone wasn't poisoned?

"Who is that brat? He's breathing Koffing's gas without a mask!" James frowned.

"Doesn't matter who he is. He's just a kid. Knock him down and then grab the Poké Balls." Jessie swept her arm forward. "Go, Ekans! Use Poison Sting!"

"Cha-baa!" Ekans hissed, its purple body lunging forward as it spat a volley of glowing purple needles straight at Ash and Pikachu.

"Thunder Shock!" Ash shouted, fists clenched.

A brilliant blue aura burst out from his body, sweeping away the poisonous smoke around him. Pikachu's eyes cleared instantly, golden sparks surging back to life.

"Pikaaa—CHU!!" Pikachu unleashed a storm of lightning. The golden bolts collided with the poisonous needles, detonating in midair with a booming explosion!

Smoke and poison thickened, blocking everyone's sight.

"Aura…!"

Ash's eyes glowed deep blue. At the same time, Pikachu's eyes gleamed the same shade. Though the smoke hid everything, Pikachu suddenly saw where Ekans was.

"Pikachu, Quick Attack!"

The command rang out. Pikachu froze for less than a second before launching forward.

"Pika pi!!" His body streaked like a white blur into the haze, followed by the sound of a powerful impact!

The next moment, Ekans was hurled out of the smoke, crashing straight into Jessie, James, and Meowth. The three of them were sent flying, tumbling across the floor in a heap before finally skidding to a stop!

More Chapters